Merriman claimed by Bills

The Bills claimed the outside linebacker off waivers and Merriman plans to report to Buffalo.

The man who A.J. Smith considered too Hollywood couldn't be further from those bright lights for the time being.

Bills general manager Buddy Nix had a hand in drafting Merriman in 2005, when Nix was the Chargers' assistant G.M. With a league-worst 0-7 record, the Bills had first dibs on Merriman.

The Chargers placed Merriman on injured reserve with a minor injury designation on Oct. 13. That meant they had to release him when he was healthy. Merriman passed a physical on Tuesday and was released.

The Bills will owe Merriman the remainder of his $3.269 million salary. It gives Merriman a chance to show he's healthy and earn a contract with someone after this season.